IC Markets vs FP Markets: Which Broker Suits Norway Traders Best in 2026?

For Norway traders, trading costs are a major factor, especially when trading in USD. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, making it ideal for high-volume traders. FP Markets also has a Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips but with a slightly higher commission of $3.00 per lot per side. However, FP Markets' standard account has spreads starting at 1.0 pips with no commission. For Norway traders trading 10+ lots per month, IC Markets typically results in lower overall costs. The Norwegian krone exchange rate can affect deposit/withdrawal costs, but both brokers absorb no deposit fees for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT.

Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are the industry standards for retail traders. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform favored for its advanced charting and execution speed, particularly useful for Norway traders using algorithmic strategies. FP Markets offers IRESS, a platform designed for professional traders with advanced order types and direct market access (DMA). For Norway traders who prioritize speed and customization, IC Markets' cTrader is a strong advantage. FP Markets' IRESS is better for those who need depth of market and institutional-grade tools. Both brokers support mobile trading, which is essential for Norway traders on the go.

IC Markets is known for its ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging 30ms, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and low-latency infrastructure. FP Markets also offers fast execution (around 40ms) with its Equinix LD4 and NY4 servers. For Norway traders who scalp or use automated trading strategies, IC Markets' slightly faster execution can be a decisive factor. Both brokers offer no dealing desk (NDD) execution, ensuring transparency and minimal slippage.

IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the FSA (Seychelles), while FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the FSCA (South Africa). For Norway traders, the key is that both brokers comply with the local financial regulator's standards for international brokers. While no broker is directly licensed by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet), both follow strict client fund segregation and negative balance protection rules. This provides a high level of safety. Norway traders should verify that their chosen broker maintains proper licensing and offers compensation schemes (e.g., FSCS for UK clients, but not for Norway). Overall, both are trustworthy.

Norway traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both IC Markets and FP Markets. Bank Transfers are free but typically take 1-3 business days. Skrill and Neteller are instant and free for deposits, with withdrawals processed within 24 hours. USDT deposits are processed quickly with low blockchain fees, appealing to crypto-savvy traders. Both brokers charge no deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods (e.g., $10 for bank withdrawals). FP Markets offers slightly faster withdrawal processing times (within 24 hours for e-wallets) compared to IC Markets (1-2 business days). For Norway traders who prefer instant deposits and quick access to funds, FP Markets has a slight edge.

Both IC Markets and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Norway. These accounts comply with Sharia law by waiving overnight interest (swap) on positions held beyond the daily rollover. Norway traders can request an Islamic account by contacting customer support after registration. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on both Raw and Standard accounts, while FP Markets offers them on all account types except certain CFDs. There are no additional fees for Islamic accounts, but traders should note that some instruments may have limited swap-free availability. Both brokers are accommodating to Norway's Muslim community.

Both brokers offer 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone. IC Markets has a slight advantage with faster response times (under 30 seconds on live chat) and support in multiple languages, including Norwegian. FP Markets also offers reliable support but may have slightly longer wait times. For Norway traders, having support available during European trading hours is crucial, and both brokers meet this need. IC Markets' dedicated account managers for high-volume traders can be a plus.